Thomas Michael Kirby found dead on the Westside

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville Transit Authority bus driver was found dead on the Westside early Saturday morning, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Police discovered the victim, later identified by family as 36-year-old Thomas Michael Kirby Jr., outside an abandoned house in the 2000 block of McMillan Street near Kings Road.

JSO said someone passing by alerted police around 7:05 a.m. after seeing Kirby's body on the sidewalk at the end of the driveway in front of the home.

Deputies at the scene confirmed that there was evidence of foul play and trauma to Kirby's body. It had appeared that his body had been there since earlier Saturday morning, according to our news partner, Florida-Times Union.

Sgt. Shawn Coarsey with JSO said it was not immediately known whether or not Kirby had been killed somewhere else and then dumped outside the abandoned house.

Tikisha Foster, the victim's sister, told the T-U that her brother not only was a JTA bus driver, he was also an Army veteran who went by "Mikey" with his family and "T.J." with his friends.

Foster also told the T-U, "Mikey was a hard worker that went for his dreams. He never stopped. He never quit until he was satisfied with the outcome or the resolution of what he was going for. He always strived for success. If he had a dime in his pocket and that was his life's last dime, he would've given it to anyone who would've needed it. If you were sick, he would've helped you."

Several JTA bus drivers will gather at the location where Kirby's body was found for a vigil on Sunday afternoon.

Police are still investigating and is asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

If you would like to remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-8477 (TIPS).